DEAN’S REPORT 2025–26 BACK

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

We're Embedded Within a Living Business Ecosystem

The nation's most applied business school

Spring Career Fair Photo

You can’t replicate geography. The University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business is embedded in one of the most concentrated corporate ecosystems in the world, anchored by Walmart and surrounded by companies like Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services and hundreds of global suppliers. Students step into that environment, working with real data, partners and challenges that move at the speed of the global economy.

This isn’t a collection of partnerships. It’s a living system where supply chains, capital, talent and ideas move together in real time. Through embedded projects, internships and cross-college collaboration, students don’t just gain experience. They become part of the network, building the skills, relationships and perspective to lead in a world that's always in motion.

Walmart
By incorporating Walmart’s Scintilla platform into the curriculum, students gain direct experience with the real data and tools that drive decisions at one of the world’s largest retailers. Scintilla, a Latin word for "spark", is Walmart’s B2B data and shopper insights ecosystem.

Sam’s Club
By working with real-world datasets and business challenges from Sam's Club, students gain hands-on experience using the information and analytics that drive decisions for one of the nation's largest membership retailers.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Through the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management, students work alongside industry leaders on transportation, logistics and supply chain challenges while learning in one of the nation's top-ranked supply chain programs.

Tyson Foods
Through mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and direct engagement with Tyson Foods leaders, students gain exposure to the innovation, operations and decision-making behind one of the world's largest food companies.

Acxiom
By working with Acxiom consumer and demographic datasets, students learn how data, analytics and audience insights are used to understand customers and drive business strategy.

Stephens Inc.
By pitching real investment ideas to industry professionals, the Stephens Stock Pitch Competition gives students experience defending high-stakes analysis in a setting that mirrors the investment world.

300+ Fortune 500 supplier offices
With companies such as P&G, Nestlé, Anheuser-Busch, Clorox and Conagra Brands operating in Northwest Arkansas, students are immersed in the supplier network that helps power the world's largest retailer, creating unmatched opportunities for hands-on learning and career development.